Bank of America
- Signin
- Log in
- Locations
- En español
Power of attorney
When you need someone to handle your finances on your behalf
A power of attorney is a legal document giving a person (known as the agent) broad powers to manage matters on behalf of another person (known as the principal). Under certain circ*mstances, Bank of America allows agents to be added to the principal's accounts (depending on the specific situation, we may limit the types and sizes of transactions an agent may perform).
Executing a power of attorney document can permit an agent to act on your behalf in financial matters such as filing taxes, selling property, refinancing a mortgage and depositing or cashing checks. You can discuss your power of attorney options with us during an appointment at your local financial center (if you're a Merrill Lynch or Private Bank client and have questions regarding power of attorney and your accounts, please contact your Advisor for assistance).
Before you schedule your financial center appointment
Tell us how we can help you:
I want to add a power of attorney to my Bank of America account(s) I want to add a power of attorney to my Bank of America account(s) I want to add a power of attorney to my Bank of America account(s)
I want to remove a power of attorney from my Bank of America account(s) I want to remove a power of attorney from my Bank of America account(s) I want to remove a power of attorney from my Bank of America account(s)
I have another question about power of attorney and my finances I have another question about power of attorney and my finances I have another question about power of attorney and my finances
You’ll need to schedule an appointment at your convenience so you can submit your power of attorney document for review.
In order to add an agent to your Bank of America deposit account at no cost:
- We recommend that you, as the principal, accompany the agent to a financial center and provide a fully executed, notarized power of attorney document (learn more about notary serviceslearn more about notary serviceslearn more about notary services)
- You need to provide us with a list of account numbers to which you want the agent to have access
- The agent must provide valid and unexpired IDs, one of which should be a government-issued photo ID
The power of attorney and ID documents will be reviewed by the bank. Due to the complexities of power of attorney documents, multiple reviews may be required. As a result, the review process may require more than one visit to the financial center if further documentation is required.
We may require additional documents depending on the power of attorney document and the circ*mstances. For example, sometimes a power of attorney requires a letter from a doctor to be effective, or the circ*mstances may require a doctor’s note regarding the principal’s capacity.
Before you schedule your appointment you may wish to check with a trusted legal advisor to confirm that the document is up to date and meets the requirements of laws in your state. These may include:
- How to grant specific and general powers
- Language on durability
- Signatures by the principal, notary and/or witnesses
- Court filing (if applicable)
Please be aware that additional documents may be requested depending on the power of attorney document and the circ*mstances.
Next step: Schedule an appointment so you can submit your power of attorney document for review. Please bring all necessary documents to your appointment.
Schedule an appointmentSchedule an appointmentSchedule an appointment
We recommend that you contact a legal advisor for guidance in obtaining and executing a power of attorney.
Your legal advisor can prepare a power of attorney document that covers a broad range of assets and transactions and can be presented at multiple financial institutions. It’s recommended that you work with your legal advisor to consider options in completing and using a power of attorney, including ways to guard against the potential for misunderstanding or even financial abuse.
Note: As a convenience and at no cost to you (and subject to applicable state law), Bank of America customers may, in most states, establish a limited power of attorney for banking transactions solely for Bank of America deposit accounts and safe deposit boxes.
You, as the principal, must accompany the agent to a financial center and provide a list of account numbers to which you want the agent to have access (a form must be completed for each account). You and the agent must provide valid and unexpired IDs, one of which should be a government-issued photo ID.
Next step: Schedule an appointment to discuss your options and find out if a limited power of attorney for banking transactions is available in your state.
Schedule an appointmentSchedule an appointmentSchedule an appointment
Let’s schedule an appointment to remove a power of attorney from your Bank of America account.
As the principal who executed the power of attorney, you may revoke it at any time. We recommend you consult with a legal advisor for assistance with obtaining the proper documentation.
In some states (and applicable to state law), Bank of America offers revocation forms. (Note that a power of attorney automatically terminates upon the death of the principal.)
Schedule an appointmentSchedule an appointmentSchedule an appointment
If your specific situation isn’t addressed in the common questions you may have section of this page, we’re always ready to help. Simply schedule an appointment to meet with an associate in a financial center to discuss your specific needs. Find a financial centerFind a financial centerFind a financial center
Schedule an appointmentSchedule an appointmentSchedule an appointment
Please note: While powers of attorney can be helpful, you should only grant a power of attorney if you are confident that the agent you choose will act in your best interest. Because a power of attorney may grant very broad power over your property, including your bank accounts, we recommend that you consult a legal advisor, estate planner or other tax professional to see what's right for your situation. Laws governing powers of attorney vary by state; your legal advisor can guide you through the various issues and statutory requirements.
Bank of America Life Plan® is an easy way to set and track short- and long-term financial goals, get personalized advice when you need it most and more.
For online resources, check out our digital banking capabilities and learn how you can use our tools to better manage your finances. Erica is available 24/7 to offer personalized, proactive guidance.
Need to make changes to an account?
Most account changes require that you schedule an appointment to meet with an associate in one of our financial centers.
See what's needed to make account changesSee what's needed to make account changesSee what's needed to make account changes
Looking for notary services?
Bank of America provides our customers with notary services free of charge in our financial centers nationwide.
Learn more about notary servicesLearn more about notary servicesLearn more about notary services
